Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 8

Written Answers. - US Death Sentences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

55 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the existence of the death penalty in many parts of the United States, including the State of Virginia where there are 47 prisoners on Death Row and to the fact that there is a further execution pending on 16 December 1993; and whether he will contact the State Governor with a plea for clemency and commutation of the sentence of death.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware that the death penalty has been retained in many States in the United States. I and my predecessors have in the past made appeals for clemency to US State Governors in the case of prisoners who have been sentenced to death. Should the Deputy wish to provide me with details of the individual to whom he refers who is facing execution on 16 December I will examine the case in question.